A new non-turf pitch has been laid at Barking Park thanks to a partnership between the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Essex County Cricket Club.

A tape-ball tournament was held at the site to celebrate the launch of this excellent new community facility, with teams trying out the surface during a host of friendly games.

Essex Cricket’s Arfan Akram said: “This is a fantastic partnership between the ECB, Essex Cricket and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.

“I’ve been in consultation with residents who have been crying out for this type of facility and you can see from the attendance levels, even in such cold conditions, that it will be very well used.

“I’m really pleased that such an initiative, driven through by the local community and which came about through their insight, has led us to implement this great facility in this park.”

Barking & Dagenham Councillor Kashif Haroon added: “I can confidently say that thanks to our partnership we can boast one of the best facilities in cricket in our borough simply because of the level of engagement it will bring about.

“I appreciate the efforts of everybody involved in bringing this to fruition.”

Zeeshan Ali, the captain of Barking Titans had an extra special reason to celebrate the good news, adding: “We are really pleased with this and have been waiting a very long time for such an excellent facility.

“We won’t have to travel so far now and this will generate more interest in cricket and fitness.”

Councillor Dominic Twomey, the deputy leader of the council and cabinet at Barking & Dagenham Council, said: “I am immensely proud that Essex County Cricket are both raising the profile of cricket within LBBD and attracting much-needed funding to support our residents through the power of cricket. “This is a sport that brings people and communities together, encourages fitness and teamwork and most importantly is available for all, ensuring that no one in our community needs to feel isolated or left behind.”